“I’ll miss you, too. This has been a great experience.” Now that he had so little time left here, he wasn’t ready for it to end, and not only because of Sapphire. He’d enjoyed the camaraderie of artists working under the same roof.
But his studio at home was better suited to his needs, and living in the same town as Liam and his mom was important. They’d been through a lot together. Rosie and Herb meant a great deal to him, but his mom and Liam anchored his world.
“I hope you’ll pay us a visit now and then,” George said. “If this fund-raiser does as well as we hope, Sapphire might decide to organize another one next year. I’m sure she’d love to have you be a part of it.” He peered down the aisle where she was adjusting the velvet rope. “Isn’t that right, Sapphire?”
She glanced up and tucked her mane of auburn hair behind her ear. “What’s that?”
“If we do another fund-raiser next year, we should invite Grady to be a part of it.”
“Of course.” Her answer was cheerful but her body stiffened.
Grady wondered if she’d figured on his making friends who would want to see him again. He’d become an honorary member of the co-op, whether she wanted him to be or not.
“But remember,” she continued, “he’s getting more famous by the day. That adds responsibilities to an artist’s schedule, so he might not be able to spare the time.”
George turned his all-knowing Santa smile on Grady. “You won’t get too highfalutin for us, will you, son?”
“Sure won’t.” He looked over at Sapphire. “If you have another event like this, you’d damn well better invite me or I’ll have to crash the party.”
“Duly noted.”
“There you go.” George chuckled. “I knew you’d developed a good opinion of this outfit. Well, we’d better quit jawing and get back to work before Sapphire cracks her whip.” He winked at Grady and retreated into his area.
“And I might, too.” She made one last adjustment to the rope. “I have high hopes for this, both for raising money and for giving us exposure prior to the holidays. It’s not too early for people to start thinking about Christmas presents.” She called out to George. “Should you put on the suit tomorrow night?”
George came back into the aisle. “Too obvious. And it’s only August.”
“You’re right. Forget the suit, but could we make up some cute signs with a subtle Christmas motif to put in each work area to remind people that original art makes a great gift?”
George nodded. “I’d go along with that.”
“I’ll talk to Arlene.” She started to leave.
“Wait a sec,” George said. “Are we all having dinner at Scruffy’s tonight? We talked about it a couple of weeks ago.”
“We did, and I completely forgot. Do you want to?” She directed the question to George and didn’t look directly at Grady.
“I think it would be good for all of us to have some drinks and loosen up. We’ve been working pretty hard lately.”
“You’re right.”
Grady could almost see the wheels turning. Loosening up in a social setting was probably the last thing she wanted to do. Chances were excellent that everyone would figure out he was in love with her. And vice versa.
But George was pushing for it. “Eloise asked this morning if it was still on. It’s been a while since I danced with my wife.”
“Then we should do it. I’ll see who else is free.” Sapphire started to leave again.
“FYI, I’m free,” Grady called after her because he couldn’t resist.
“That’s the spirit.” George clapped him on the shoulder. “Work hard, party harder. That’s my motto.”
She turned back to gaze at them. “Well, okay, then. That’s four of us confirmed. I’ll check with the others.”
He watched her walk away.
“So have you told her yet?”
Grady glanced at George. “Told her what?”
“That you’re in love with her.”
He hesitated and decided there was no point in trying to fool George. “Yep.”
“She’s gun-shy. Dated some real losers.”
“So I’ve heard.”
George squeezed his arm. “She’s got a winner in you.”
“Thanks for that, but how can you tell I’m not like the rest of them? You’ve only known me a few days.”
“Number one, I’ve lived a lot more years than you and Sapphire and I’ve become a pretty good judge of character. Number two, and this might sound a little out there, but I see honesty in your work. Some artists are technically amazing but their work isn’t honest. I trust someone who does honest work. Does that make any sense?”
“It does, and I can’t think of higher praise than that.” Grady’s throat tightened. “Thank you.”
“You’re most welcome. Her work is honest, too, which is why you two get along so well. But she’s young and she’s been burned. Give her time.”
He blew out a breath. “I will.”
“She might need a lot of it.”
“I know, and there’s no guarantee she’ll ever come around.”
“Life doesn’t come with guarantees, son. Only possibilities.”
* * *
POSSIBILITIES WHIRLED IN Grady’s mind as he grabbed a chair beside Sapphire’s at Scruffy’s. The group had pushed two tables together and, in the scramble for seats, Grady made sure he was in the right place at the right time so he could spend the evening next to her.
They’d driven from the Art Barn in separate vehicles and would have to drive back to her house that way, too. It wasn’t his favorite way to do things, especially tonight, when he wanted to stick close. So he’d be damned if he’d sit at the opposite end of the table from her.
Pitchers of beer were ordered and everyone filled their mugs, including Sapphire. Grady was glad to see that. She could have decided not to risk getting too happy, all things considered. But she’d worked hard and deserved to let go a little. Talk was lively around the table and many toasts were made.
The food was slow in coming but more pitchers of beer arrived. Grady had grabbed a fast-food lunch that hadn’t been very filling, so he didn’t take any more beer when the pitcher went around. He wanted to be fully functioning so he could dance with Sapphire. The band was playing a slow number he liked, so he decided to ask her.
“Okay.” She gave him a bright smile, maybe a little too bright.
He led her out to the floor and drew her into his arms.
She nestled against him and gazed into his eyes. “Grady, I’m drunk.”
“Already?”
She nodded.
“But we just got here a little while ago.” He pulled her in a little tighter because she didn’t seem very steady on her feet.
“I forgot to eat today.”
“Uh-oh. How much beer have you had?”
“Not sure.”
He stopped dancing and guided her to the edge of the dance floor. “What do you want to do?”
“Go home.”
“I’ll take you. But you need food.” He tried to remember what was in her refrigerator. “Do you have eggs?”
“Yes.”
“Bread?”
“Yes.”
“That’ll work.” Scrambled eggs and toast usually helped soak up the booze. Sliding an arm around her waist, he walked her back to the table. “Sapphire’s not feeling good. I’m going to drive her home.”
Amid a chorus of “Feel better soon” comments, he grabbed her purse and maneuvered her out the door.
The sight of the parking lot must have reminded her that she’d driven here. “My truck.”
“No worries. We’ll pick it up tomorrow.”
She nodded. “Thanks.”
“Welcome.” He got her over to his truck and lifted her into the passenger seat. He had to buckle the seat belt for her.
“I’m an idiot,” she murmured.
“No, you just got distracted by all you had to do and forgot to eat.”
He squeezed her shoulder before closing the door and going around to the driver’s side. When he climbed in, she’d leaned her head back and closed her eyes. “Are you okay? Do you feel sick to your stomach?”
“No.” She sighed. “Just embarrassed.”
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. These things happen. I’ll take you home and make you some food.” He shoved the key in the ignition.
“I love you, Grady.”
He looked over at her. She hadn’t moved and her eyes were still closed. He wanted to bang his head against the steering wheel. She’d said it, but only because she was plastered. “I know.” He started the engine and left the parking lot.
On the drive back he watched the road for bumps and potholes. If she was embarrassed about being drunk, she’d be mortified if she barfed in his truck. He managed to get her home and into the house without incident. Then he left her on the couch while he rummaged around in the kitchen.
He used up all the eggs she had because he was pretty damned hungry himself. He toasted several slices of bread, too. Then he found herbal tea in the cupboard and made some of that.
When it was all ready, he went into the living room. At first he thought she was asleep. He stood there a moment wondering if he should wake her.
As he debated, she opened her eyes. “It smells wonderful.”
“Think you’re up to eating something?”
“Yes.” Taking a deep breath, she sat up.
He held out his hand. “Then dinner is served.”
She smiled and put her hand in his. “You’re the best. I owe you one.”
“No, you don’t.” He pulled her up and into his arms. “You took in my cat, which was a major pain in the ass. Bringing you home and fixing you dinner doesn’t come close to paying that bill.” He gave her a quick kiss but didn’t linger. She needed food more than kisses. “Let’s eat.”
“Let’s do.” She looked much steadier as she walked into the kitchen and sat down. “Aw. You made tea.”
“I’m handy that way.” He took the seat across from her so he had a better view and could judge how she was doing. “I’d advise you to eat slowly.”
“I will.” She picked up her fork. “You sound experienced in this matter.”
“Let’s just say the guys I worked with in Alaska enjoyed their booze, especially during those long winter nights.”
“I’ll bet.” She took a bite of her eggs, chewed and swallowed. “Good job on these. Not too dry and not too runny.”
“Rosie taught me. She required every boy to take a turn in the kitchen, either helping her cook or helping her clean up afterward. She said our future wives would appreciate it.”
“I’m sure they will.” She kept her eyes on her plate as she ate more of the eggs.
Maybe he shouldn’t have mentioned that, but Rosie’s comment came back to him often when he messed around in the kitchen. He tucked into his eggs. They were excellent, if he did say so himself.
She finished off her eggs at a leisurely pace. “I’m feeling much better.” She munched on a piece of toast. “Fixing this was a really good idea and the tea is perfect.”
“Thanks.” He had a feeling she had more to say.
“Maybe it’s a good thing that I drank too much beer and had to come home.”
“Maybe it was.” He wished she was leading up to a seduction but nothing about her voice or her body language suggested that.
“We need to talk.”
Bingo. He sighed. “I suppose so.”
Pushing her plate away, she folded her arms on the table and stared at him. “This morning you said you’re in love with me.”
“Which I am. Head over heels.” Saying it made his heart beat faster.
Her breath hitched but she kept her arms calmly folded. “A little while ago I said that I love you.”
“I won’t hold you to that. You were—”
“You can hold me to that.”
For one glorious moment he was the happiest guy in the world.
“But people in love aren’t rational. They do stupid things like make promises they’ll never keep.”
The bubble burst. “Sometimes.” He regarded her steadily. “Other times they know exactly what they’re promising and are faithful to those promises.”
“How do I know you would be?”
“You don’t. You’d have to take it on faith.”
“And if I can’t do that?”
He shrugged. “We have a problem. Which I know we do. You’re afraid to trust me and get slam-dunked again. I don’t blame you.”
She studied him over the rim of her teacup. Then she drained the contents. “What if I did take it on faith that you’ll be loyal and true forever? What then?”
“We’re getting ahead of ourselves.”
“Not really. I have a feeling you’ve mapped this out the same way you make a sketch before you create a sculpture.”
She really did know him, which was both thrilling and terrifying. “Ultimately, I’d want you to move down to Cody. There’s more than enough room for you to share my studio on the ground level of the barn and Liam will be vacating the top floor within a month or so.”
“I was right. You have thought this through.”
“Of course I have. I’m in love with you.”
“So you’d expect me to relocate?”
“It makes the most sense.”
She flushed. “To you, maybe, but what about Amethyst and my folks? What about the co-op?”
“I’ve considered all that.” He could see she wanted to argue the point and he held up a hand. “Honestly, I have. But the co-op needs you more than you need the co-op.” He leaned forward. “Sapphire, your pottery is dynamite. I’ve made some valuable connections in the art world and you’re welcome to them. Let George run the co-op. He’d do a fine job.”
“So I’m supposed to leave my family—”
“I don’t suggest that lightly, but you and Amethyst won’t live together forever. As for your folks, maybe you do need to be in the same town. If so, we’d have to figure that out. Maybe we can come up with a decent compromise. But after having Liam and me in foster care for two years, my mother needs to keep us close. The truth is, we need that, too.”
Her gaze softened. “I can understand why.”
“Sapphire, I’m asking you to give us a chance.”
“You’re asking a whole lot more than that. You want me to leave my family and the co-op I’ve created. You’re asking me to move in with you after we’ve only known each other for a few days. Talk about a leap of faith, especially considering—”
“Damn it, I know! You’ve had some rotten experiences! How I wish I could somehow wipe the slate clean and start fresh.”
“You can’t.”
“I’m becoming increasingly aware of that.” He looked at her. “Am I beating my head against a stone wall?” He thought of George’s comment that changing her mind could take quite a while. For the first time he wondered if he had the patience.
Heartbreak shimmered in her turquoise eyes. “I do love you.”
“And that’s the toughest part of this! I know you do, and yet—”
“Because I love you, I’m telling you to give up on me. Don’t stick around waiting to see if I’ll change my mind. I won’t leave you dangling like that. I can’t make that leap of faith you’re asking for. Let me go, Grady.”
His heart stalled. “You really mean that.”
“I do. We’re done.”
Despair howled within him, but he managed to sit there as if his world hadn’t suddenly imploded. “Then I should probably take my stuff and move into the Art Barn for the night.”
“You could, but then I’d be stranded here.”
“Oh.”
“Stay here tonight, Grady. It’ll be okay.”
Of course it wasn’t. He agreed that sleeping on her couch was stupid, and once he was in her bed, they made love. And made love again. Each time it was like a dagger through h
is heart, but he couldn’t lie next to her without taking her in his arms.
The next morning they moved through their routine like zombies. He packed up all his stuff because he knew he couldn’t spend another night like this. After the fund-raiser he and Gandalf would hit the road.
16
SAPPHIRE HAD ALREADY ranked Saturday as one of the most miserable days of her life and it wasn’t over yet. By the end of the night it could earn the top spot. She hoped the only people who knew that were Grady and her mother.
Her mom had come looking for her while her dad was setting up his sound equipment and had found her in the kitchen crying. She’d convinced her mother that Grady wasn’t at fault. If she hadn’t, there would have been an ugly scene. Grady didn’t deserve that just because he thought falling in love was the endgame.
Besides, the fund-raiser was off to a great start and much of the credit was his. The crowd had filled the parking lot long before the artists were scheduled to start. When she’d realized they might pack themselves into the barn and violate the fire code, she’d asked Herb to stand at the entrance and monitor the number of visitors going in.
Belatedly, she’d figured out that she shouldn’t be one of the performing artists. As the person in charge of this event, she should be free to roam and make sure everything went smoothly. Fortunately, the director of the shelter offered to do that and Rosie said she’d help, too.
Ten minutes before showtime, Sapphire went inside and stopped at each work area to give hugs and encouragement. For some it was the first time they’d worked in front of an audience. She saved Grady for last.
He wore his work gloves and his goggles hung around his neck. A sketch of the cougar was tacked on the wall and the recycled metal pieces lay on the floor in a precise order. His steady gaze told her he was focused on the work and ready to begin, but he hadn’t put up the velvet rope blocking access to his space.
She stepped inside but didn’t move within touching distance. “Thank you for doing this.”
His expression didn’t change. “My pleasure.”
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